Trials of Yoder Brothers have demonstrated that it is not necessary to pinch garden Chrysanthemums. When comparing plants that had been pinched with those not pinched (planted in June) the untrained eye could see no difference. After measurements were taken, the non-pinched finished plants were about 2.5cm taller and wider and they flowered up to 5-7 days earlier. As expected, the cutting grew straight up for 4-5 weeks with no breaks. Then they produced a crown bud, but without pinching out this bud, every leaf axial gave rise to a bud over the following 7-10 days that formed shoots. It is however necessary to choose modern varieties that have been bred and selected for this characteristic. In addition, improved control over plant form is obtained through the use of constant liquid feed and drip irrigation. This offers growers a considerable cost reduction in terms of labour and the non use of growth regulators. "GrowerTalks" www.yoder.com